The third Test match between India and Pakistan in 2006, held at Karachi’s National Stadium, witnessed a moment of cricketing history that would forever be etched in the minds of fans. The star of the show was Irfan Pathan, a young Indian pacer known for his ability to swing the ball both ways. Pathan was entrusted with the new ball on a pitch that offered some movement, and he took the opportunity to unleash a spell of pure magic.
The first ball of his over was a full-length delivery that swung in sharply, deceiving Salman Butt and trapping him lbw. The very next ball saw another Pakistani opener, Imran Farhat, fall prey to a perfect inswinger, leaving India with two wickets in as many balls. The crowd was stunned, the Indian players were sensing something special, and Pathan was on the verge of history.
The third ball, aimed at the experienced Mohammad Yousuf, was another ripper. It pitched perfectly in line, jagged back in, and sliced through the gap, shattering the stumps. The scenes that followed were electric. The Indian team erupted in celebration, Pathan stood with arms raised in triumph, and the crowd was left in awe.
Irfan Pathan had achieved something unprecedented – a hat-trick in the very first over of a Test match. He became only the second Indian bowler to achieve this feat, after Harbhajan Singh, and the first to achieve it in the very first over, a record that remains unmatched.
While Pakistan ultimately went on to win the Test match, Irfan Pathan’s hat-trick remains a defining moment in the India-Pakistan rivalry. It showcased his incredible skill, the unpredictable nature of the game, and the sheer magic that can unfold on a cricket field.
